Police arrested seven men who were reportedly armed with weapons and acting suspiciously in a supermarket car park.
Officers were called to the Asda on Ryhope Street South, Sunderland , at 9.20pm on Monday night following a report that a group of men were acting suspiciously.
It was understood the men were armed with weapons and carrying flags before leaving the scene in three vehicles.
The police helicopter was dispatched as part of the operation to track down the vehicles in question.
The seven men were arrested and brought into custody.
All the suspects have since been released with no further action taken with police satisfied that no crime had taken place.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “At 9.20pm yesterday (Monday), police were called to Asda on Ryhope Street South, Sunderland, following a report that a group of men were acting suspiciously.
“It was reported that the men had turned up in the car park wearing masks and were believed to be carrying flags and weapons. The individuals then left the scene in three vehicles.
“Police located the vehicles in question and arrested seven men who were brought into custody.
“No weapons were found and officers were satisfied that no criminal actions had taken place.
"The seven men have since been released with no further action to be taken.
“The report was made in good faith and we would always encourage the public to report anything suspicious by calling 101.”
